Oilsands development about to exceed Alberta’s new pollution limits: documents
Posted Sep 11, 2012 3:07 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
EDMONTON – Industry figures suggest oilsands development will soon push air pollution past limits set out in Alberta’s new management plan for the region.
Newly filed regulatory documents for Shell’s proposed Jackpine mine expansion project say two major gases causing acid rain will exceed annual emission limits.
Shell’s study concludes sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide emission limits will be surpassed if all the approved and planned developments go ahead.
The limits came into force this month as part of a plan by the Alberta government’s to balance oilsands development and environmental protection.
Environment Minister Diana McQueen said when the plan was introduced that the limits will be legally enforceable.
Simon Dyer of the Pembina Institute says the government’s response to Shell’s figures will be the first test of the plan’s credibility.
